. >> tus troops in south east afghanistan celebrated independent day with a flag raising ceremony and military band. >> this may be the last july 4th ceremony spent in afghanistan for some of these soldiers. as the draw down of u.s. troops is set to begin. president obama ordered a troop reduction of 10,000 bit end of the year and another 23,000 by september 2012. military leaders say the president withdrawal plan is more aggressive than they had anticipated. >> you represent the latest in long line of hero whose have served our country with honor, you made incredible zacchary faces to protect the freedom that we all enjoy. i have got some of those heroes here with us today. >>reporter: for third year in a row the first family celebrating the fourth of july with service members and their families. more than 1,000 l military hero and loved ones gather on the south lawn for barbecue and first rate view of the national capitol fireworks tonight. the president told them america is proud of you. rock band train singleer song writer amos lee and u.s. marine band were on the schedule. >> now